Connect with Us

Fulton Secondary trail builder earns Ribbons of Green honour

Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky, left, congratulates Jennifer Borchert, Fulton Secondary School Grade 12 student, as she receives the Trail Builder of the Year award from Ribbons of Green Society president Dave Smith. Borchert planned and oversaw the construction of a trail by the school as part of Global Education class.

— image credit: Cara Brady/Morning Star

posted Feb 5, 2012 at 1:00 AM

Jennifer Borchert encouraged this year’s Global Education students to think about projects they can do in the community as she received the Ribbons of Green Trail Builder of the Year award.

“I couldn’t have done it without all of the businesses and individuals who donated time and money. It was a community effort. It was a lot of fun. You guys can do it too,” she said.

Borchert, a Grade 12 Fulton student, chose to build a section of trail near the school, giving better access to wetlands for education projects for students and to the community.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to make this presentation to a younger member of society,” said Dave Smith, president of Ribbons of Green, an independent society that acts as an advisory committee on the development trails in the city and regional district.

Ribbons of Green also oversees the construction of trails, signage and benches. One of the latest projects is the trail system on Middleton Mountain Park and the Grey Canal walk/cycle trail from Lavington to the north end of Swan Lake, about 20 kilometres) is 60 per cent complete.

Fulton principal Malcolm Reid congratulated Borchert on the award.

“I was impressed with how she solved the problems and found ways to get through. This is the biggest project that I have seen a student do.”

The trail runs along Vernon Creek beside the school.

We encourage an open exchange of ideas on this story's topic, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. Personal attacks, inappropriate language, and off-topic comments may be removed, and comment privileges revoked, per our Terms of Use. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.